Quick-release device and method for securing/releasing the same

Abstract

A quick-release device includes a tube having multiple holes defined through the wall in the first end thereof, and a seat is connected to the second end of the tube. A sleeve is located in the first end of the tube. Multiple stop members are located in the tube and movably engaged with the holes respectively. Each stop member has an inclined face defined in the underside thereof. A lever includes a cam portion pivotably mounted to the first end of an axle which extends through the tube. An end member is movably connected to the first end of the tube and is secured to the second end of the axle. When pivoting the lever, the end member is moved toward the seat or moved away from the seat to be the secure status or the release status.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A quick-release device comprising:
 a tube having multiple holes defined through a wall in a first end thereof, a seat connected to a second end of the tube, a sleeve located in the first end of the tube; 
 multiple stop members located in the first end of the tube and movably engaged with the holes respectively, each stop member having an inclined face defined in an underside thereof; 
 a lever having a cam portion which is pivotably mounted to a first end of an axle, the axle extending through the tube, and 
 an end member movably connected to the first end of the tube, a second end of the axle connected to the end member, when pivoting the lever, the end member is moved toward the seat or moved away from the seat. 
 
     
     
       2. The quick-release device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a spring is mounted to the axle and biased between the seat and the end member. 
     
     
       3. The quick-release device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the stop members each are an L-shaped member. 
     
     
       4. The quick-release device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve includes multiple grooves defined axially in an outside thereof, the stop members are located in the grooves respectively. 
     
     
       5. The quick-release device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein a ring is resiliently mounted to the stop members to position the stop members in the grooves of the sleeve. 
     
     
       6. The quick-release device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the end member includes multiple inclined paths defined axially in an outside thereof, the stop members are moved along the inclined paths by the inclined faces, the stop members partially protrude through the holes when the lever is pivoted to set the quick-release device at a secured status.